Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Missouri

With a mission to strengthen local economies, Missouri Department of Economic Development provides Missouri municipalities and counties with funding up to US $750,000 for downtown revitalization and related public infrastructure. Non-entitlement cities and counties can improve commercial facades, address code violations, and invest in infrastructure that supports private job creation and removes slum and blight conditions.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funding to non-entitlement cities and counties to improve infrastructure, support community facilities, and strengthen local economies in ways that primarily help low-to-moderate income people while addressing local health and safety concerns. Project awards are available in several categories for a wide range of community development initiatives.

This program offers opportunity for eligible Missouri communities to engage in revitalization efforts to renew downtown areas and restore them to their former prominence as a center of community activity. These projects eliminate slum and blight conditions on the front and selected side facades of eligible buildings in core downtown areas, and address code violations for commercial structures. The Downtown Revitalization Program operates under an open cycle, meaning that applications will be accepted year-round and will be funded, if meeting the minimum criteria of the guidelines, until funding is no longer available.

This program helps communities develop public infrastructure that allows industries to locate new facilities, expand existing facilities, prevent the closing of a facility or the relocation of a facility outside the state. Grant funds may be used for public streets, water or sewer lines, engineering and other public facilities necessary to support the private sector project. A public entity must own the facilities to be funded.

Local governments in Missouri seeking to improve public drinking water or wastewater infrastructure can apply for Community Development Block Grant funding, with awards up to US $750,000. Grants from Missouri Department of Economic Development help public infrastructure projects that upgrade publicly owned water treatment, distribution, sewer treatment, and collection systems in non-entitlement communities serving low-to-moderate income residents.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Public charities planning capital projects for nature, STEM education, skilled trades, or community gathering spaces in Missouri and other Ash Grove service areas can apply for grants up to US $25,000. The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation prioritizes construction, renovation, repair, and restoration of facilities, with additional support for related program needs.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Missouri public and charter schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students and located in eligible counties can receive US $20,000 to launch new PLTW computer science programs. Funding from Project Lead The Way covers participation fees, required computers, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel, room, and board over two years.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in eligible Missouri counties can use this grant to add courses, sections, or teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way provide US $10,000 for PLTW participation fees, required computers or tablets, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training expenses for the 2027–2028 academic year.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW Engineering programs in Missouri counties served by Burns & McDonnell can receive US $40,000 over two years for STEM curriculum launch costs. Grants from Project Lead The Way help cover PLTW fees, required computers, equipment, supplies, and core training expenses for schools with at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch eligibility.

Public and charter middle schools expanding PLTW Gateway engineering and STEM programs in eligible Missouri counties can use this grant for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training, with awards of US $10,000. Project Lead The Way partners with Burns & McDonnell to increase access to PLTW in these communities.

Missouri public and charter middle schools serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can access funding to launch new PLTW Gateway STEM programs, including fees, equipment, devices, and teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way and Burns & McDonnell total US $20,000 over two years for eligible schools in specified Missouri counties.

Missouri public schools and charter schools with at least 40% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch can use this US $10,000 grant to expand existing PLTW Gateway STEM programs. Eligible schools in specified Missouri counties may fund participation fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for 2027–2028.

Public and charter elementary schools launching new PLTW Launch STEM programs in Missouri counties served by Burns & McDonnell can apply for Project Lead The Way grants. Funding up to US $20,000 can cover PLTW participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and core training with related travel, room, and board costs.

Focused on STEM and teacher training, Project Lead The Way invites eligible Missouri public and charter schools to expand their PLTW Launch programs. Schools in specified Missouri counties serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can receive US $5,000 for participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW core training costs.

Missouri public infrastructure and community development nonprofits can access funding through Penn National Gaming for projects that improve local facilities, safety, housing, and civic engagement. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be physically located in Camden, Platte, or St. Louis counties and may also seek support for education, health, human services, cultural programs, and veteran and military services.

Municipalities, counties, public institutions, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals in Mid-Missouri can seek funding to develop or expand solid waste reduction, recycling, composting, and market development projects, including infrastructure and equipment. Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District offers up to US $100,000 per large project with a 25% match requirement for Region H counties in Missouri.

Nonprofit organizations leading policy and advocacy campaigns in Missouri can apply for Deaconess Foundation’s Policy Campaign Grants, awarding up to US $100,000 in general operating support. Funding backs voter engagement, civic activation, and community organizing to advance systemic public policy change, which may benefit groups working on public infrastructure issues within the foundation’s Eastern Missouri footprint.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Eastern Missouri can apply for Deaconess Foundation’s Seeding the Future Grants, awarding US $20,000 in one-year general operating support to advance systems-level community health. Organizations working on public policy, civic engagement, or voting and elections that strengthen public systems and infrastructure may be competitive applicants.

Missouri neighborhood associations registered with Kansas City can receive funding for community engagement, neighborhood identity, public safety, and other local improvement projects. City of Kansas City provides support for infrastructure repairs, code violation remediation, youth programs, and broader neighborhood development that enhance residents’ quality of life and strengthen community capacity.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Missouri’s air, land and water resources play an important role in our health and are essential to the environmental and economic vitality of our state. The department aspires to help Missouri citizens thrive by advancing environmental and economic sustainability. The department provides a range of services to help Missouri citizens, communities and businesses in these efforts. The department also provides opportunities to learn more about Missouri’s natural and cultural history at our state parks and historic sites.

Our Mission: We serve as stewards of our natural resources to benefit Missourians. The department's values and Strategic Initiative Plan guide the department as it moves. The department accomplishes its mission through its Division of Administrative Support, Division of Environmental Quality, Division of Energy, Missouri Geological Survey and Missouri State Parks.

CWSRF On-site Wastewater Treatment System Grant

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' grant program for on-site wastewater systems provides pass-through grant funding to one or more qualified nonprofits to implement the program in select areas of the state. The On-site Wastewater Treatment System Grants will assist private (non-commercial) and single-family homeowners in select watersheds with identified water quality concerns related to nutrients. It is anticipated that the grants will be used to either:

• Repair or replace failing or poorly functioning onsite wastewater systems or
• Connect to a larger decentralized or centralized wastewater treatment system

The goals of this grant program are to improve and protect public health and water quality by focusing on watersheds with nutrient impairments and implement infrastructure improvements, regardless of home lot size, with effective designs and proper installation that follow local and state health statutes and rules. Maintenance is also key to ensure the newly installed systems continue to provide protections for their expected useful life.

Missouri local governments seeking to improve public infrastructure and community facilities in Missouri can access funding through the Community Development Block Grant Competitive Cycle, with awards up to US $500,000. Administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, this program supports publicly owned facilities, infrastructure upgrades, and clearance of unsafe buildings, prioritizing education and health-related projects.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving seniors can seek funding to improve transportation, neighborhood safety, and navigation of health and social services in Eastern Missouri. Focused on public infrastructure for residents 55 and older, Deaconess Foundation invites Missouri senior service providers to apply for up to US $30,000 per proposal.